Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ Cabin

Overview

Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ translates to 'Face of the Glacier House.' It is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of the Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound. This rustic retreat is open year-round as an overnight accommodation. The cabin is an ideal base for enjoying the serenity and beauty of Mendenhall Lake or participating in various recreational activities. The site can be accessed through the Mendenhall Campground or access trail depending on conditions. Winter weather may require a 1/2-mile trek on snowshoes or skis. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4-mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.

Winter season provides even more ways to recreate. The Mendenhall Campground is groomed when conditions allow for classic and skate skiing.

Facilities

Cabin is essentially drive up between May 15th to September 15th when the campground is open for campers. Three to four parking spots reserved for cabin guests located at Site 17 with a short 50-yard walk on a packed gravel path to the cabin itself.

During the off-season when the campground is closed (September 15th through May 14th), the cabin site can be accessed by walking the campground road or via a groomed ski trail when conditions allow. One parking spot will be reserved for cabin users in front of Skaters Cabin for winter access.

During the summer season, the entrance gate of the campground is closed nightly from 10pm to 7am with the exit gate open 24 hours a day. Water faucets, accessible vault toilets, a dump station and trash dumpster are provided nearby, inside the Mendenhall Campground, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities.

This 16 ft. by 20 ft. pan-abode style cabin with a loft that sleeps six to ten people with a single and two double bunks downstairs and a fully open floor upstairs. Hooks have been installed upstairs to support hammocks. Please do not install additional screws, nails, or hooks anywhere inside or outside the cabin. The cabin also has a table and benches, countertop, broom, electric cove heaters, and wood stove. The cabin site is ADA accessible, with accessible trails connecting the road, cabin, outhouse, and fire ring. Water and firewood are not provided. Water is seasonally available from spigots in the campground nearby. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply in the winter. A secure bear box is located on the porch.

Minimal lighting is provided. Lighting is installed both inside and outside the cabin, including the outhouse. USB-A and USB-C charging outlets are also available. Cabin users are encouraged to bring their own additional lighting and power supply for devices.

Visitors must provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, a cooking stove, cookware, plates, utensils, lanterns or flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. They are expected to pack out trash, empty the cabinets and clean the cabin before leaving.

The door has a keyless door lock that will lock every time the door is closed. An entry code will be provided to cabin users upon reservation. You will need to make note of the passcode! Frequently users have it on their phone only and then walk outside, shutting the door behind them while leaving their phone inside. This will put your memory to the test!

Natural Features

The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground the mountains rise from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffer the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks fill the area. The Tongass is part of the world's largest temperate rain forest.

Nearby Attractions

Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.

What people do here

• berry picking
• camping
• cross country skiing
• hiking
• kayaking
• wildlife viewing